Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on paved roads free of flammable vegetation except when used for the commercial culture harvesting and of agricultural crops.

Electric fences must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and must be operated correctly.

If you drive anywhere except on the highway, county roads and driveways, it’s required to carry one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles are required to be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.

The use of fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited year-round.

Ashland Fire and Rescue recommends all citizens be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. This does not mean that Ashland is in immediate danger, it just means to be ready. Have a personal bag and supplies packed such as important documents, medications, water, first-aid, etc. ready to go just in case.

Residents can also become Firewise by removing any dead or dying vegetation, or highly flammable materials from around your home and roof such as clearing pine needles from the gutters. For more information, visit www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=2825.

The wildfire hotline provides information about fires burning in Ashland and surrounding areas and can be reached at 541-552-2490.

Another way to stay updated on emergencies affecting just the city of Ashland is by tuning into the emergency broadcast radio station at 1700 AM.

Air quality has significantly decreased due to smoke from surrounding wildfires. While it is in the unhealthy range, citizens should limit their exposure outside as much as possible and use a face mask when outdoors.